Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]

Witnessing the match between Azure and Blue coming to an end, Prof. Oak and Daisy clapped they're hands from they're home. Daisy says happily to them, "Those two battled so hard. I'm happy for both."

Prof. Oak nodded, seeing the end of their match as he said proudly with his arms crossed over his chest, "But of course! Blue is my grandson after all, and Azure is my research assistant! I only expect the best from them!"

Daisy chuckled, hearing that as they're eyes were glued to the TV. They could hear the happy cries of Azure's Pokémon from the outside, along with Blue's Pokémon giving out cries of encouragement during they're battle.

Prof. Oak smiled as the anticipated match would soon occur tomorrow, as he thought curiously, rubbing his chin, 'But for them, though, there's still one more challenge to face. The rematch the two have been waiting for a long 3 years since the Ninth Pokémon League tournament… I wonder what those two will show tomorrow…'

Through the TV screen, Prof. Oak could see Azure eyeing Red from his place as the professor smiled fondly, muttering, "The Move – no. I suppose Move Tutor isn't the right title for him anymore… The Tutor vs. The Fighter. I wonder who'll win this year's Tenth Pokémon League Tournament…"

/////

[Kanto Region, Evening, Indigo Plateau – Trainer Village]

As the night came, the main hall of the Trainers' Village had mostly emptied. Walking down the path were Blue and Red, along Green.

As the trio walked, Blue said curiously, having his hands in his pocket, "Are you sure this is where Sky is staying? I don't see him anywhere."

Red commented as he pondered out loud, gazing at the night sky, "Maybe he's off adjusting his team or planning a new strategy?"

Blue could only nod in agreement. Blue, Red, and Green had come specifically to find Azure to offer some encouragement and, for Red, a declaration.

A calm voice echoed from the corner of the room, "You're looking for me?"

Blue turned around to see Azure discussing with Volkner and Flint as they seemed intrigued with their discussion till they saw the Kanto Dex Holders. In the background, Pikachu was talking to Volkner's Pikachu, and Eevee slept soundly in Azure's hood, already fast asleep.

Looking at the trio coming to Azure soon ended his conversation with Volkner and Flint as he said excitedly, "Okay, guys, we'll talk later. I'm excited to head to Sinnoh, hearing what's happening."

Flint grinned with excitement as Volkner said cautiously with his arms crossed, "You sure? I mean, our hometown Sunyshore City isn't safe, and the dangers are plagued by criminal gangs and Pokémon poachers."

Azure simply grinned with an eager expression as he said calmly, placing a hand over Volkner's shoulder, "Oh, definitely going. You make it sound like a fun time busting villains and criminal gangs. That just so happens to be my specialty."

Flint grinned, hearing that, as he said excitedly, agreeing with Azure's plan, "Ha! I can't wait to see those punks try anything with you around!"

Volkner sighed helplessly, but an eager grin did show on his face, having a Champion-level Trainer accompanying them to Sinnoh to deal with the Pokémon Poachers and Criminal Gangs. With that, Azure handed them his contact info as he said politely, "We'll talk later, you guys. I'll call when I'm finished with the finals."

Both nodded as they departed for their rooms. But not before wishing Azure the best of luck in the finals.

Blue looked curious at their conversation as he asked curiously, "Oh? Did we happen to interrupt something?"

Azure shook his head as he calmly replied, shrugging his shoulders, "Not really. Just some plans, but what are you guys doing looking for me?"

Blue simply nodded, not minding or interfering with Azure's business. Green smirked as she said confidently, "Azure, tomorrow Blue, Silver, and I will be cheering you on from the stands. Our juniors will be rooting for Red, hoping for your downfall. Ya know, Gold, Crys, and Yellow."

Azure blinked, hearing that, as he said in a baffled tone, "Yellow? I mean, Gold and Crys, I get after I kicked their butts, but… that Cinnabon Yellow?"

Azure tilted his head, confused by this, as Green chuckled as she answered his confusion nonchalantly, "Well, Yellow is cheering for her favorite person after all… that being Red, and you aren't him, certainly helps."

Azure simply nodded, knowing Yellow's crush on Red. Red said confidently, raising his fist into the air, "Heh. You could always trust Yellow to have my back!"

Green chuckled knowingly as she thought mischievously, 'Still in the dark, huh? I wonder if that dense fool would realize that Yellow isn't he but she.'

Blue rolled his eyes, annoyed by his rival's dense head as he thought disapprovingly in a disdainful tone, 'Sigh… this idiot still doesn't know yet? Unbelievable. And he wonders why I'm not cheering for him to win.'

Azure chuckles, hearing this, seeing Red being this dense, not knowing Yellow was a girl yet, as he helplessly shakes his head, "Oh well… can't win them all, I guess. But I suppose that isn't all right…?"

Azure-eyed Red, as he said confidently, adjusting his cap, shadowing his eyes, making his declaration, "Yeah… I've come here to declare I won't be losing to you. I'll fight you with all I have and win no matter what. I'm coming at you with everything my team and I have got, so you better prepare yourself!"

*Shiver*

Seeing Red's serious expression made Azure shiver, feeling a chill from his gaze. Azure slowly smiled, expressing a serious glint in his eyes as he said calmly, "Good. I'll fight you with everything I have learned, Red. And no matter what happens, we'll see who'll win this epic rematch."

Both grinned, hearing this as Green chimed in a happy tone for them, "Welp! If that's the case, give it your all, you two!"

Blue curtly nodded with a snide expression as he said bluntly, "I'll be cheering you on, Sky. And Red… good luck."

Red childishly argues with Blue as he yelled, pouting, seemingly annoyed, "Hey! I thought you were on my side, Blue!"

Blue sneered but slyly grinned, mocking Red. But Green asked curiously, getting Blue and Red's attention, "Say, Sky, are you planning to use Ho-Oh against Red in the final match…? I've seen you not use it in your Match with Blue, so…"

Hearing her question, Azure paused, considering that question. He took a slight pause before he replied confidently, turning to them with a sly grin, "Sorry, but no… I've only had Ho-Oh for a short while, and besides, I trust in the Pokémon I've used in my journey to win, as I follow a rule… Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites."

Turning as he left, Red contemplated his words before slowly smiling as he thought, 'So no huh? But then again, considering how you battled Moltres and Zapdos without using Ho-Oh… I get the feeling that without Legendaries, he'll still be the strongest rival.'

With that, no words needed to be said between them. Azure calmly went to the route of his hut in the Trainer village as he mumbled to himself, "… While relying on Ho-Oh for the final match would be good… I don't want to follow Green and Blue's examples. I'll fight my way. I don't need miracles. I just need six partners. Six choices. Six chances. Tomorrow… it ends with me winning."

With that in mind, Azure went to cool his mind for the intended final battle. He ultimately decided which Pokémon he'll bring with him to the final battle: the 6 Pokémon he'll choose to win him the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament against Fire Red.

/////

[Kanto Region, Next Day, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

The roar of the Indigo Plateau stadium was a physical force, a wave of sound that washed over Azure Sky, yet he felt perfectly calm. Perched on his shoulders, Pikachu's ears twitched with every cheer, and Eevee, nestled securely against his neck, let out a soft, anticipatory cry.

They were his constants, his partners in every sense of the word, and their presence was a silent anchor in the storm of excitement. Azure's smile was genuine. The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament had been a grueling climb, a gauntlet of 256 of the region's most promising trainers.

Now, only two remained. He looked across the vast, pristine battlefield, the manicured grass and dirt a canvas for the masterpiece of a battle to come.

His opponent was no stranger. Fire Red, the legendary Dex Holder from Pallet Town. The Fighter stood opposite him, his expression a stark contrast to Azure's calm.

Red's eyes burned with an intensity that lived up to his name, a focused fire that spoke of a year spent training, planning, and waiting for this exact moment. The title of 'The Fighter' wasn't just for show; it was etched into his very being.

3 years ago, in the finals of the Ninth Tournament, Azure had claimed victory. Today, Red was here for redemption against him, 'The Tutor'.

The announcer's voice, DJ Mary, boomed through the stadium speakers, "And now, for the final battle of the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament! A full six-on-six battle between our reigning champion, Azure Sky, and the challenger, the Fighter himself, Fire Red!"

The crowd's roar intensified. Red's hand moved to his belt, his movements sharp and efficient. Red's voice cut across the field, clear and determined, "This time, it ends differently, Azure. I'll win and you'll lose."

Azure simply nodded, his smile tightening into a look of focused respect. He grasped for his belt, grabbing a Poké Ball as he replied, "Show me what you've learned, Red."

With a flick of his wrist, Red tossed his Poké Ball as he declared seriously, eyes locked onto Azure, "Arcanine, let's go!"

*Pop*

A blur of orange and black fur erupted from the crimson beam of light. The Legendary Pokémon landed with a guttural roar, its majestic mane seeming to smolder in the stadium lights.

It pawed at the ground, exhaling a puff of smoke, every muscle tensed and ready. Wrapped around its head was its Held Item [Expert Belt].

Azure reached for his own Poké Ball, holding it fondly. He needed to set the pace, to control the field from the very beginning, as he declared seriously, "Your turn, my friend! Let's show them our power! Tyranitar!"

*Pop*

He threw the ball high into the air. It burst open, and from it, a colossal figure crashed onto the field with a ground-shaking thud…

*THUD*

… The very air seemed to grow heavier as Tyranitar, the Armor Pokémon, let out a primordial roar that challenged Arcanine's own, "GRAOOOO!!!!"

Its rocky, dark green hide looked impenetrable, and its sharp eyes locked onto its fiery opponent, and around its head is its held item [Muscle Band]. And from its body armor grains of sand began to swirl around its body...

*Woooosh*

Instantly, the weather in the stadium shifted. A swirling vortex of sand erupted from Tyranitar's presence, its Sand Stream ability kicking into effect.

The fine grains whipped across the field, obscuring vision and stinging at Arcanine, who shook its head in annoyance. DJ Mary commented, seeing the scene through speakers, "A Sandstorm from the start! A classic opening from Champion Azure, immediately putting the pressure on the speedy Arcanine!"

Red didn't flinch. He adjusted his cap as he declared calmly, "Don't let it slow you down, Arcanine! Use Extreme Speed!"

*Zoooom*

Faster than the eye could follow, Arcanine became a fiery comet, streaking through the hazy sandstorm directly at Tyranitar. And yet, despite its speed, Tyranitar's eyes trailed after it, having been used to sparing with Azure's Arcanine, Dragonite, and Pikachu's Extreme Speed to tell where it would be in the Sandstorm.

Azure was ready as he ordered, "Stone Edge!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar stomped its foot, and jagged, glowing pillars of stone erupted from the ground in Arcanine's path. But Red's Pokémon was a master of agility.

*Woosh*

It weaved between the stone spears without losing an ounce of momentum, closing the distance in a heartbeat. Red grinned as he ordered, "Now! Follow up with Close Combat Arcanine!"

Hearing this, Arcanine's body tensed as it shone in a golden aura it preparing to strike against Tyranitar. Azure swiftly countered, "Tyranitar! Protect!"

*CLANG*

*THUD*

Tyranitar cast the transparent barrier of Protect just in time as Arcanine collided against the Protect using Extreme Speed and Close Combat, slamming into Tyranitar's barrier with a powerful thud.

The blow would have sent a lesser Pokémon flying, but Tyranitar merely grunted, gazing upon Arcanine. The sand continued to whip at Arcanine, and a constant, draining irritation flashed in its eyes.

Azure commanded fiercely, "Now, Dark Pulse!"

*PEW*

Tyranitar opened its maw and was charging a torrent of shadowy rings. Caught at point-blank range, Arcanine had no time to dodge.

But Red smirked, seeing his chance, he countered, "Now! Roar!"

Arcanine's eyes snapped open following Red's command as it roared, "Awoooo!!!"

Tyranitar flinched in fear as it was forcibly sent back into its Poké Ball. Azure's eyes widened as Red explained coolly, "What can I say? I've learned a lot since we last battled. And you're and Blue's battle was such an inspiration couldn't help but take some ideas."

Azure helplessly chuckles at this as one of his Pokémon was sent out randomly, "Heh. I suppose so. Now, which one comes out is the question – "

*Pop*

Azure's words were cut off as the answer revealed itself. Azure caught it, a flicker of calculation replacing his initial surprise.

With a flash of light, a new Pokémon materialized on the field, revealed to be a startled Scizor. It was sleek, metallic, and crimson. Its powerful pincers, like hardened steel vices, snapped shut with an audible clang, wrapped around its neck, and were its Held Item [Leftovers].

Scizor stood ready, its metallic body glinting under the stadium lights, its wings buzzing faintly. Azure eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, 'Red has grown. He has learned. This is going to be even more fun than I thought.'

*Bdmp*

Their hearts raced. The adrenaline fueled them as they slowly grinned to themselves as they thought excitedly, 'Red/Azure… It's time to see who's truly the best that no one ever was before!'

Red's smirk widened. The Roar had not only disrupted the Tyranitar's attack but had also forced out its Scizor into battle.

Against his powerhouse Arcanine. The type-matchup was a nightmare for Azure. But Red remained cautious as he thought, 'Even if I have the Type advantage doesn't mean much to him. He fought Zapdos with Skarmory, the way he does reverse battles is amazing!'

Both eyed each other, already calculating their next moves. DJ Mary exclaimed, the excitement returning to her voice, "A brilliant counter move by Fire Red, forcing a terrible matchup for Azure! Scizor is at a massive Type disadvantage against the flames of Arcanine!"

On Azure's shoulder, Pikachu's ears drooped slightly with worry, but Azure simply reached up and gave him a reassuring scratch behind the ears as he said happily eyes focused, "No worries, buddy, you'll get your time. And besides… this isn't the worst situation we'd be in. We've had worse than this."

His smile returned, different this time from usual. It wasn't the calm confidence of a champion; it was the sharp, eager grin of a strategist who had just been presented with a complex, dangerous puzzle.

He looked across the field at Red, who stood poised to command the finishing blow. The opening gambit was Red's, a clean and decisive call.

But a Pokémon battle was a long and winding road for both. And both of them were artists of the unexpected when it came to Pokémon battles.

The real match had just begun. With the Sandstorm still active, Scizor didn't suffer the effects of chip damage as it was part Steel Type. The same wasn't said to Arcanine, suffering the damages gradually.

Red commanded, wasting no time, "Arcanine, Flare Blitz!"

*Sssss*

Azure countered instantly, "Agility, Scizor!"

*Wooosh*

Arcanine became a comet of fiery rage, hurtling across the field with blinding speed. But Scizor was already a blur of crimson steel. It moved with impossible swiftness, its body nearly parallel to the ground as it shot to the side.

Arcanine's charge missed its mark, the beast skidding to a halt in a shower of dirt and scorched grass. The heat wash from the attack, however, still blasted Scizor, who winced but held its ground.

DJ Mary screamed through her mike from her spot as she yelled, "He dodged it! But for how long can he keep that up?"

Red notices the effects of the Sandstorm finally flicker out. But then saw Scizor biting down on its Leftovers, regaining health as Red bellowed, "Don't give it a moment to breathe! Extreme Speed!"

*Zooom*

Arcanine vanished, reappearing directly in front of Scizor in a streak of white light. There was no dodging this time.

However, Azure yelled, finding the right call, "Scizor! Strong Style! Bullet Punch!"

*SMACK*

Before Arcanine's attack could land, Scizor's pincers became twin pistons, hammering into Arcanine's chest with a series of metallic impacts. They were small hits, but brutally fast and precise.

The force of the Bullet Punch staggered Arcanine just enough to soften the blow from Extreme Speed. Scizor was thrown back, but it landed gracefully, its metal feet digging into the turf.

Both Pokémon were now damaged. Arcanine had taken recoil damage from the Flare Blitz, chip damage from Sandstorm, and the peppering of Bullet Punches.

Red gritted his teeth as he cautiously examined the situation, muttering, "Azure isn't just dodging; his fighting back, chipping away at Arcanine's stamina."

He had sacrificed his Pokémon's health to land a few crucial hits. A classic strategy: turning a disadvantage into a calculated trade.

Red remained calm as he adjusted his cap, shadowing his face as he ordered swiftly, "Enough of this. Arcanine, Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

A torrent of incandescent fire erupted from Arcanine's mouth, a river of flame that painted the battlefield orange. But Azure ordered quickly, "Scizor! Swords Dance!"

*Shiii*

Scizor, using Sword Dance, deflected the incoming flamethrower by spinning fast, managing to avoid the worst while at the same time gaining the +2 Attack stages. But Red smirked as he ordered, "Now! Abort Flamethrower for Morning Sun!"

*Shiii*

As Scizor was distracted, deflecting the flamethrower, Arcanine halted its attack. Raising its head high, looking at the sunny sky above, its body glowed brightly, absorbing the sunlight, healing its injuries, and restoring its stamina.

When Scizor finished deflecting the fire, its eyes narrowed at Red's Arcanine, lowering its head to meet its gaze, having fully recovered its strength. Both trainers smirked, seeing their situation, grinning happily.

The first clash was over as both sides powered up. But the rematch, the true test of champions, had only just begun.

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!